IU fans expected a dominating performance from Coach Curt Cignetti’s fifth-ranked football team Saturday afternoon against Howard, and the Hoosiers delivered.
IU quarterback Josh Hoover and wideout Charlie Becker connected for three first-half touchdowns to highlight a 510-yard performance by the offense and the IU defense limited Howard to just 57 yards of total offense as the Hoosiers rolled 55-0 to improve to 2-0.
Playing in front of a sold out crowd at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium, Indiana dominated from the opening kick. Hoover hooked up with Becker for a 34-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive, the first of four touchdown throws for Hoover. Indiana led 20-0 at the end of the first quarter and 41-0 at half.
As good as the IU offense was, the defense might have been better. IU limited Howard to four first downs and Rolijah Hardy had a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter.
IU returns to action next Saturday against Western Kentucky at 4 p.m. at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. The game is sold out, but fans are encouraged to check SeatGeek for secondary ticket market opportunities.
